XP: Double-pumping tips for well-endowed ladies?

alicatnj

I also posted this on the breastfeeding board. I  just returned to work and I'm really trying to double-pump. But I'm having a really hard time with it! I've always single pumped and just switched sides because I can't find a hands-free system that really works for large-breasted women. I was a 38 D before pregnancy, and now with the milk I'm up to a J cup!! All the hands-free bras that I've seen stop at a D cup (WTH?). I also have the Medela freestyle pump, which is supposed to provide a hands-free option. But the largest size straps that are provided are still too short to work for me, so they just smoosh my breasts up against my chest. Medela doesn't make an extra-large sized strap (again, WTH?).

Does anyone else have this issue, and do you have any tips that have worked for you? Single-pumping is not the best option for the limited time I have at work. I'll never be able to provide enough bottled milk for my dd if I only do this. And I'm going to completely lose my supply this way.

kamcfarlane

i hunched over into a very uncomfortable position and propped the bottles up between me and the edge of the desk. it wasn't ideal, and my back hurt, but it got the job done. good luck!

Meg1031

I EP'd for my first DD.  I am large chested as well- currently a 42-44 H-I.

I took a cotton softcup bra that I had bought while pregnant, and cut a slit on each cup at the nipple level.  Just a small one inch slit.  I would then place my nursing pads inside, and put a piece of medical tape over slits.  (I work as a nurse, so this tape was readily available.)

When I needed to pump, I would take off tape, and place cones from Medela PISA over nipples and through slits on bra, then hook up bottles on outside of bra, hook up tubes, and pump away.  No hands needed.  

This worked so well, I bought 3 more bras that I did this to.  Like I said, I work as a nurse, and at that time I was on a very busy floor, and never had problems with the bras.  I could drive and pump.

When I no longer was pumping, I took 2 of the bras and sewed along the slits to close them.  I could wear those under anything except a clingy thin shirt, and you couldn't see the repair.

I called this my Macguyver pumping bra, it wasn't conventional, but it was cheap, worked way better than I think those pumping bands would work on a large chest, and it was comfortable.

I used them to pump for 11 months exclusively. 

Daisy22

Do you have an old bra that you don't mind cutting? You can cut an X where you nipple is. Then put the shield inside the bra and push the end that connects out of the X. It's a make shift pumping bra. I did this and it worked for me.

shouldbworkin

I used the rubber band trick on kellymom.com and secured the bottom of the flanges in my bra/nursing tank.  Can you buy a cheap bra and cut holes in it to secure the flanges when you're pumping?  While I was hands free when I pumped, I had to remain pretty still and hunched over a little.  It was still better than getting cramps in my hands 3x a day from holding the pump in place.  ;-)

jeffrae

The Easy Expressions bra goes to very large sizes.

https://www.easyexpressionproducts.com/

 

General Sizing Chart

	Band Size (inches)	Cup Size
x-small	30-32	AA-A
small	32-34	A-B
medium	34-36	B-D
large	38-40	D-F
x-large	42-44	F-G
xx-large	46-48	G-H

 

aglenn

I'm a 34H (OK, really probably I these days) and use one of these (just strap it over my regular nursing bra).  I was skeptical if it would fit, but it does, and is super easy. 

 www.pumpease.com

 

pahokie

I wear a 40H nursing bra and have an XL in the Easy Expressions bustier. You have to take care to get things situated properly, but then it works well.

I have also cut a slit into a sports bra for use at home.  I did not figure out a way to make it comfortable for all day wear like pp did, but her suggestion sounds great.

alicatnj

thanks everyone! I'll definitely try some of these suggestions!

tosababy

Just set aside the time and double pump.  I had to start holding both sides.  But then I could sort of hold both horns in my left hand and at least use my mouse to either surf the net or read work documents.  I pumped three times a day, for about 15 minutes each time.

Good luck!  I know it's harder, but I got the hang of it. 

shannm

I just held them for six months, two times a day, about 15 minutes each time.  It was my "thinking" time